Andrew's time as trade envoy should be investigated, says Vince Cable

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s tenure as a UK trade envoy is under renewed scrutiny amid allegations of potential corruption, according to a former business secretary. Documents obtained from the US Department of Justice appear to indicate that the former prince shared sensitive UK government and commercial information with Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender.

Sir Vince Cable, who held the position of secretary of state for business and trade during part of Andrew’s time in the envoy role, described the reported conduct as “totally unacceptable.” He emphasized the need for thorough investigations, stating, “We need a police or DPP [director of public prosecutions] check on whether criminal corruption took place and a government investigation into how this was allowed to happen.” Despite the allegations, Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Between 2001 and 2011, Andrew served as a UK trade envoy, a role that provided him with access to senior officials and business leaders worldwide. In 2010, evidence suggests he forwarded an email exchange involving Aston Martin and the Royal Bank of Scotland to an associate named David Stern, who subsequently shared it with Epstein. This correspondence included details about RBS’s restructuring plans and critical comments about its then-chief executive, Stephen Hester, alongside information about internal conflicts at Aston Martin. It remains unclear whether the information originated from Andrew’s official capacity or other private interactions. At that time, RBS was majority-owned by the UK taxpayer.

Further emails suggest that Andrew also passed on Treasury information concerning Iceland to a banker contact, Jonathan Rowland. Official guidelines stipulate that trade envoys must maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial or political information gained during their duties. Thames Valley Police confirmed they have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service to consider allegations related to Mountbatten-Windsor sharing confidential documents with Epstein. Members of Parliament, including Labour MP Sarah Owens and committee chair Rachael Maskell, have called for police inquiries and Parliamentary scrutiny. Maskell particularly urged that Andrew be stripped of his royal titles and succession rights, leaving him accountable solely as a private citizen

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